CHILDREN LIVING IN A
PREVIOUS TRASH DISPOSAL AREA
Ulukol B, Gulnar SB
Dept. of Social Pediatrics,
Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
Objective: To determine the effects of growth and
well-being of children in Mamak- Ankara; a land previously used as a city
trash disposal area.
Methods: This case control study enrolled randomly
selected 372 children, aged 2- 15 years living in Mamak. Controls were 73
children living under similar socioeconomic conditions in a neighbourhood
named Kayaş. The anthropometric measurements, physical examination and
sociodemographic characteristics were assessed for both groups.
Results: Significantly more children in Mamak group had Z
scores lower than 0, in both height and weight (p<0,0001). The Mamak group
also had more children who were below - 2 Z scores both height and weight
(p<0,0001). Significantly
more children in the Mamak group had an illness as documented by physical
exam and a history of previous major illness. The major health problems
were infectious diseases and parasitosis.
Conclusion: Living on a land previously used as city
trash disposal areas appears to be detrimental to the growth and health of
children. Settlement should be prevented in such areas and children who are
obliged to live there should be followed up closely.